The office of High Sheriff of Cheshire, which dates back to Saxon times, was formally conferred on Jeannie France-Hayhurst on Sunday, April 10, by the Rev Tim Hayward, the pastor at St Boniface Church in the village.
Jeannie practised Family Law in the North West and North Wales and since her retirement has focused on community organisations and promoting art, literature and music in Cheshire. She serves on the University of Chester’s governing council and is a trustee of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital charity.
Cheshire Community Foundation, which supports a wide range of charities across the county, is Jeannie’s chosen charity for her year in office and a highlight of her fundraising activities will be a spectacular musical concert at Chester Cathedral on Friday, July 8 to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Platinum Proms, hosted by broadcaster and former Chester MP Gyles Brandreth with musical direction by Matt Baker, will showcase the wealth of musical talent from Cheshire including opera duo Belle Voci, Cheshire choirs, Farndon Brass Band, students from The Hammond and Chester recovery company Fallen Angels Dance Theatre.
Jeannie France-Hayhurst, the newly-installed High Sheriff of Cheshire, said:
Supporting Cheshire Community Foundation gives me the opportunity to reach the amazing small charities and voluntary groups who work across Cheshire and Warrington to help those that need it.
“The past couple of years have been a challenge for so many and the concert will give us all the chance to celebrate live music, each other’s company and The Queen’s spectacular 70 years on the British throne.”
Jeannie added: “Every child deserves a bright future and I look forward to meeting groups and organisations which help build resilience and confidence in the next generation.”
Jeannie lives in Bunbury with her husband James and they have four children and 10 grandchildren. In her spare time, Jeannie sings with the Tarporley choir Decibellas, who will also appear at the concert, and is a keen gardener.
